Rivian is undergoing a leadership reshuffle, with CEO RJ Scaringe taking the reins of the top product role within the company, marking a significant change in Rivian’s organizational structure.
According to a regulatory filing published on Monday, Rivian’s Chief Product Officer Nick Kalayjian will now transition to the role of Executive Vice President of Vehicle Engineering and Propulsion. In this capacity, Kalayjian will focus on the development of the next-gen platform, codenamed “Peregrine,” a crucial element in Rivian’s strategy that will be used in the R1 and Commercial Delivery Vans, as well as into the upcoming R2 platform that will lead to the introduction of more affordable EVs and expand the automaker’s market presence.
With Kalayjian’s new role, Scaringe will take responsibility for all production functions within the company, including “Software, Autonomy, Design, Vehicle, Electrical, Propulsion, and Programs,” the filing reads.
On November 20, 2023, Rivian Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) announced changes in the product organization with Dr. Robert Joseph Scaringe, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), assuming direct responsibility for all product functions. The product reporting structure includes Software, Autonomy, Design, Vehicle, Electrical, Propulsion, and Programs. The Company’s Chief Product Development Officer is moving to the role of Executive Vice President, Vehicle Engineering & Propulsion and will continue to report to the CEO.
The leadership shift extends beyond Scaringe and Kalayjian, with Richard Farquhar, the former Vice President of Propulsion, set to step into the role of Senior Vice President of Future Research and Development on December 11, according to TechCrunch.
Additionally, the restructuring includes changes in reporting structures, with quality and reliability teams led by Brad Thacker and Georgios Sarakakis now reporting directly to Scaringe.
